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Dealing With the Effects of Gulf War Syndrome

Last Updated on Friday, 14 December 2018 16:50

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We do not yet know what the actual causes Gulf War Syndrome are. It was originally theorised that combat stress was the main contributor, but recent studies have revealed that, although this may play a part, it is not the main source of the condition.

Additional information has since come to light suggesting that toxic chemical exposure could in fact be the main aspect in contracting this illness. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published an article showing that being exposed to chemicals like organophosphates, commonly found in nerve gasses and insecticides, and carbamate acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, which could lead to reductions in neurotransmissions, played a role. Anthrax vaccinations may also be a plausible contributor, with early versions of the vaccine bringing on various side effects congruent with the syndrome. During the Gulf War, 1990 to 1991, it was common for anthrax vaccines to be administered to military personnel.

Research is on going about what the definitive cause of Gulf War Syndrome is, but there are many avenues to explore. This includes exposure to toxins, the impact of biological and chemical agents, and the long-term effects of exposure to blasts.

Treatment Can Be Difficult

Proper treatment for this condition can be difficult to find because it remains relatively unrecognised, and so little is thus known about how to combat it. So many systems within the body are impacted that a really long list of symptoms can be seen:

Abnormal levels of weight loss

Chronic fatigue

Frequent headaches and the onset of migraines

Interruptions in menstrual cycles, and disorders

Pain in the muscles and joints

Issues with anatomy, functions, and disorders related to nerves and the nervous system

Psychological issues

Disorders connected to the respiratory system

Skin conditions

Disturbances with sleep patterns

It is an "impressive" list of problems for just a single condition. But, similarity to thyroid conditions like Graves’ Disease, Gulf War Syndrome attacks various bodily systems and it is vital to respond to this illness with a multifaceted approach to treatment in order to get the best results.

Treatment Options to Explore

Make sure your stress levels are being properly managed to start off with, and make a point of making the necessary time for exercise, entertainment, and the like available. Try out calming practices like yoga and swimming, and check out the fun you can have with games like the bingo Canada has to offer, for example.

Some sufferers have found success utilising therapy that includes Ozone UVIs, Ozone IVs, and various types of bio-identical hormones, which can all significantly reduce joint and muscle pain. Undergoing these treatments can also relieve a number of other symptoms, including those associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, something that relatively frequently accompanies Gulf War Syndrome.

Patients have also reported that, with the help of their physicians, they have been able to rebalance their thyroid with hormone therapy and the utilisation of supplements. These have brought their mineral and vitamin levels to a healthier equilibrium and so enjoyed an impressively positive impact on their condition.
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